My Favorite Unconventional Christmas Romance Reads This Year

Do you ever feel like you want holiday vibes but without the Hallmark? This year, I haven’t been able to do it. I tried. I even opened up a few sweet small town Christmas romances… and my brain said absolutely not. So instead of the usual hot cocoa and cinnamon roll heroes, I veered hard into the unconventional and ended up on a holiday books spiral filled with hitmen, stalkers, vampires, and at least one magical punishment from Krampus.

And honestly? No regrets. If you’re craving unconventional Christmas romance books with dark vibes, weird tropes, and a lot more spice than your average tree lighting ceremony, this list is for you. I read every one of these. Some were a mess. But these? These are the ones worth your time.

Want a full list of the 2025 holiday romance book releases? I’ve got 100+ listed over here with the 5 still on my TBR.

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7 Unconventional Christmas Romance Books That Go Off the Rails (In a Good Way)

Undead and Unwed by Sam Tschida

A vampire heroine tries to live out her own Hallmark fantasy in a town full of secrets and charm and one very attractive Christmas tree farmer. Plus her vampire ex? He’s back in the picture. Equal parts cozy and chaotic.

Grab Undead and Unwed on Amazon or read my Undead and Unwed book review

Elf on the Edge by Alina Jacobs

She tried to hire a fake date to her ex’s engagement party. She accidentally hired a hitman to take him out. He flirts with her grandma, drinks all the booze, and definitely wants to commit murder. It’s giving Christmas romcom fever dream.

Grab Elf on the Edge on Amazon

A Man for Mrs. Claus by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Mrs. Claus has three days to find a new Santa, and maybe a new husband. Magical competition meets workplace romance in the most festive reality TV ever.

Grab A Man for Mrs. Claus on Amazon

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley

Firefighter next door… who’s also a stalker… and secretly your favorite spicy online fan. Full holiday obsession with a side of ugly sweaters and morally gray vibes.

Grab He Sees You When You’re Sleeping on Amazon or read my He Sees You When You’re Sleeping book review

He Knows When You’re Awake by Alta Hensley

Billionaire stalker funds your fashion dreams, but you have to move into his penthouse and launch your brand before Christmas. Kinky and full of drama (plus some danger).

Grab He Knows When You’re Awake on Amazon

Scrooged for the Holidays by Kayla Grosse

Ice queen businesswoman meets three not-so-human nephilim guardians in a secret mountain town. An MMMF paranormal retelling of A Christmas Carol with actual heart underneath the steam.

Grab Scrooged for the Holidays on Amazon

Paddled by Krampus by Harley Laroux

Monster romance. Magical punishment. A very memorable Christmas tree scene. This one’s short, filthy, and 100% not your coworker-under-the-mistletoe vibe.

Grab Paddled by Krampus on Amazon

Why These Work (Even If You’re Over Holiday Romance)

These aren’t just weird for weird’s sake. They deliver the same holiday payoff with cozy lights, all the emotions, seasonal indulgence… but with tropes you don’t see on every KU list. Whether it’s obsessive protectiveness, magical realism, or actual Krampus kink, each of these breaks the mold in a way that feels fresh and, let’s be honest, fun.

More Festive Chaos (If You’re Not Done Yet)

Still in the mood for holiday mayhem? Here’s where to go next:

• Snowbound Christmas Romance Books
• Santa Romance Book Recommendations
• 2025 Holiday Movie Schedule + Reactions
• All Holiday Romance Posts

Your Turn

Did I miss your favorite chaotic Christmas read? Or did you just discover your next unhinged holiday binge? Let me know in the comments and send recs my way if you’ve got them. Because at this point, the weirder the better.

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